Classical music blaring from San Francisco Burger King aims to curb crowds

There have been studies showing classical music can help calm nerves and even help enhance memory, but one local business seems to be using the works of Vivaldi and Bach to help clear a troubled street corner in San Francisco. (KGO-TV )

KGO

by Sergio Quintana

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) --

There have been studies showing classical music can help calm nerves and even help enhance memory, but one local business is using the works of Vivaldi and Bach to help clear a troubled street corner.

For the last two weeks, a collection of symphonies and concertos has been blaring a new sound track at the corner of 8th and Market streets.

"Love it. I like upbeat things," said one person

"It's classical music. I love it," said another woman.

Several speakers were installed last week outside the Burger King. A spokesperson for the Central Market Community Benefit District says the idea to play classic music in the area came from a similar strategy she read about at the London subway system.

The corner is usually very busy, but with the classical music playing so loudly it appears to have cleared out a bit.

This has been one of the more challenging BART and Muni entrances for commuters.